The Utrecht city council has approved the policy note Healthy Air for Everyone, marking significant progress towards better air quality and healthier residents. The aim is to eventually meet the stricter air quality guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2021.
Environmental and zero-emission zones: foundation for clean air
Utrecht is taking concrete steps towards a zero-emission city with this policy. Expanding and tightening environmental zones and introducing zero-emission zones are key components. Environmental zones aim to exclude the most polluting vehicles to improve air quality, while zero-emission zones require completely emission-free vehicles.
- Environmental zone: From 2027, the existing environmental zone for diesel passenger cars, vans, trucks, and buses will extend across Utrecht. Vehicles with lower emission classes will be prohibited. The city aims to further tighten these zones after 2030, allowing only vehicles meeting the highest Euro6 emission standards, pending legal feasibility.
- Zero-emission zone (ZE-zone): In 2030, the zero-emission zone for vans and trucks will cover the entire city. Only vehicles that emit no pollutants, such as electric vehicles, will be allowed.
Besides zone expansions, the policy includes additional measures:
- We will expand the information campaign on the harmful effects of wood burning and aim for a wood-burning-free Utrecht by 2030. From 2025, new chimneys in homes will not be permitted.
- From 2026, stricter controls on dust emissions from construction activities will be enforced, with requirements for emission-free construction equipment.
- By 2030, all mopeds and scooters must be emission-free, with a 2028 interim step prohibiting older models.
Councilor Eva Oosters (Environment and Emission-Free Transport): “This note sets a higher standard to better protect Utrechters health. Air pollution has a huge impact, from respiratory issues to cardiovascular diseases. Clean air is not a luxury but a necessity. The steps we are taking are ambitious but essential to keep our city livable and healthy.
Utrecht focuses on major local pollution sources and ensures fair distribution of the measures impact across the city. The city also actively lobbies at national and European levels to reduce external air pollution. With the adoption of this policy note, the municipality will begin drafting an implementation program to concretely shape the measures.
More information about the air quality policy can be found on the Utrecht municipalitys website.
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